# Mandarin Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Mandarin the right Library Automation solution for you? Explore 60 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/29128/Mandarin/reviews --- Mandarin 4.7 (60) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/29128/Mandarin/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of Mandarin Ease of use 4.4 Customer Service 4.9 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews AE Ana E LibrarianEducation Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Great customer service, ease of use, sufficient customization“ October 24, 2023 DI Daniel I Librarian Libraries, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The ladies weren’t happy with me but because of the effort it had taken to get our libraries where they needed to be and the very fair price our district pays for the program, they lost the battle.“ March 23, 2022 AL Ann L LibrarianLibraries, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “After using them in an Ohio prison and know how strong the bid process for companies to land contracts with the state, I knew they would be good for the charter school libraries I was creating in the state of Michigan.“ January 20, 2022 MC Marcia C Part-time LibrarianEducation Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “Our older system (Follett) was outdated and the cost to update it was too much. “ March 29, 2022 LJ Laurie J LibrarianEducation Management, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Mandarin is so easy to learn and use. And on those ocassions when I don't find the answer, their customer service responds with efficiency.“ January 30, 2023 CS Chad S LibrarianLibraries, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Financials do not integrate with SIS (FACTS/RenWeb).“ March 8, 2022 TB Teresa B Teacher-LibrarianEducation Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The technical support team is very knowledgeable and quick to respond with questions or things that needs to be fixed.“ September 28, 2022 LJ Laurie J LibrarianEducation Management, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Still, nothing to report.“ January 30, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 60 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use VB Vanessa B. Office Manager Primary/Secondary Education Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great Option for Small Schools at a terrific price" April 24, 2019 5.0 We have saved money by knowing what is in our inventory. In the past, we have bought duplicate copies simply out of poor inventory control. Mandarin allows us to know where everything is at all times. Pros I love that we have the ability to not only automate our library but can also run our textbook management and electronics management through the Mandarin system. As a small private school, our budget is limited and anything that helps us control inventory and save money in the long-run is a worthwhile investment. Cons My only complaint is that it is sometimes difficult to find an item on Record Fetch. The system is not very forgiving with typos and not all ISBNs are in the system, even when the book may be. I also wish they would include Usborne Books in the system. We get many of these books donated to the school and have a difficult time logging them in the Mandarin system. Review Source MC Marcia C. Part-time Librarian Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Very Good Library Management Software" March 29, 2022 5.0 We went without a Library Software Management system for 10 years! Our older system (Follett) was outdated and the cost to update it was too much. Mandarin came in and integrated our database with their software so I had a working database again -- and could go from there. It works with our FACTS system so I didn't have to put in any patrons at all. I've felt very supported all along the way and will continue to need support as we move into Inventory this summer. Really a good company! Pros The company is excellent and the support is by far the absolute BEST I've ever experienced. If I email support or call I'm IMMEDIATELY helped. Outstanding is the best adjective. The software is very user-friendly. I'm not a full-time librarian so there was definitely a huge learning curve for me -- and the software was NOT hard to learn. There's tons of videos to help as well. The company completely integrated our old software program into Mandarin, so I didn't have to do anything -- except clean up our system. It's also fully integrated with FACTS -- our school management system. I'm very happy we went with this company. Cons I really need to use if for a longer period of time and honestly I don't have anything to compare it to because I'm not a "regular librarian" who might have had experience with other library software -- I have none. But, having said that, I think there are a few things that could be better. To Search for a "missing" book I look in "Status" -- but to do that I have to first go to Catalog and find the book's barcode -- that's an extra step. There should be a way to find who has the book or what the status is without first needing to look up it's barcode. So it's just a little cumbersome. Also, I'm finding that ALL my records are missing some key components that I'm having to add manually to each one. I wish there was a faster way to do that as well. But these are honestly very minor things. Overall, I'm really pleased so far. Alternatives considered [Follett Destiny Library Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/8972/Destiny-Library-Manager/) Reason for choosing Mandarin See above. Switched from [Follett Destiny Library Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/8972/Destiny-Library-Manager/) Cost and wanting a system that was integrated with FACTS and a company that was small enough to be available to help us as we needed it -- not to get some automated answering machine. Review Source CR Christopher R. Librarian Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "We were sold something other than what we received." April 24, 2019 2.0 When we decided to purchase this software we had very specific needs. We were told everything we wanted to do was already in the system or that the system would do it. Since then we were told it can't do what we were told it could do before we agreed to the contract. We are going to reimplement our old system because even though it didn't fit all of our needs it gives us more of what we need than what Mandarin has been able to do. We wanted specific data reports at our fingertips and was told it would happen. I have to call in and have them done for me and even then, the results are not completely right. We were told this system came with a conference room schedule system and that it would be easy to use. No such thing existed. The conversion of our old Database left out important information and books altogether. This is not as big a deal as I can fix this but the interface is not easily customizable nor is it user-friendly to anyone who doesn't know Marc 21. Going forward you should really not sell features you do not already have, or you should be willing to develop them for the release. Had we known then what we know now we would have gone with another company who could have offered everything we were looking for. We have spent grant money on this system that we felt was the best direction based on the information we were given, only to have it be something different. I am sure your system is a perfect fit for a vast majority but for us it is not working. Pros Visually it was better looking than our previous system. Cons It didn't do almost everything we were promised it could do. Review Source Response from Mandarin Library Automation April 26, 2019 Hi Christopher, Thank you for sharing your review. We are very concerned about the experience you are having. We would welcome the opportunity to assist you and correct the issues you have listed. Thank you for your patience. We will also contact you directly to assist. AL Ann L. Librarian Libraries Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Used it to hand link 4 school libraries" January 20, 2022 4.0 I loved the professionalism and the service that I got. After using them in an Ohio prison and know how strong the bid process for companies to land contracts with the state, I knew they would be good for the charter school libraries I was creating in the state of Michigan. After hand linking over 19,500 books with over 4,500 to go and having library aides take over the management of the other 3 libraries while I finished the 4th, I knew I made the right decision. Pros I like that I got want I needed, the ease of use, and the tech support they gave for the price. I saved over $12,000 over other systems and working in public schools every dime you save can go toward books for the library. Cons That I had to have 4 different logins for the 4 schools that I had to remember. I also didn't like that I had to call or email them for new login for the staff even though they quickly did them for me. Alternatives considered [Follett Destiny Library Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/8972/Destiny-Library-Manager/) Reason for choosing Mandarin Offered similar bells and whistles for a much cheaper price Review Source RN Ronzstah N. Librarian Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Mandarin Review" April 7, 2021 4.0 Inventory issues and also daily transactions that can be so overwhelming Pros It is easy use read and getting used to also there is less complications when performing daily transactions by just scanning a barcode Cons a more modernized user interface Alternatives considered [Koha ILS](https://www.capterra.com/p/229051/Koha-ILS/) Reason for choosing Mandarin It had no limit of books to catalogued into the system Review Source JW Joel W. Director of Technology Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Pioneer School District Libraries" December 3, 2021 5.0 The entire Mandarin team made the transition from Destiny easy and we lost no data. After the implementation we have received superior customer support (unlike Destiny) and the Mandarin teams seems to be able to solve any problem. Pros Mandarin is one of those systems that is built for the end user. It is simple and logical to use, powerful, but not overly complex. Darn near perfect. Cons Some of the back end features could be made more user friendly for those of us who manage the application. Switched from [Follett Destiny Library Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/8972/Destiny-Library-Manager/) Destiny was too expensive and complex for our current staff needs. Review Source DI Daniel I. Librarian Libraries Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent product, excellent support! " March 23, 2022 5.0 Mandarin has been a godsend to me. When I first took over our school library, I had zero experience in a library. Worse than that, it had just been built and our average book age was 50+ years old. On top of all that, we had just started adding curriculum to the mandarin system. Our previous librarian wasn’t sure on how to do that and she had added about 1/4 of the curriculum and done it wrong. I had a mess that most would have quit over. I spent hours on the phone with the help desk, during after hours I might add, over the next few months. I learned the program pretty quickly. It took a year and a half to clean up all the mess I had been left by the school. I could never have succeeded if Mandarin hadn’t been so good to help me. After that, I was able to take what I learned into 4 other of our libraries and fix their messes and train their librarians. We got a new head librarian a few years ago who wanted to switch our program to a more modern more expensive program. The ladies weren’t happy with me but because of the effort it had taken to get our libraries where they needed to be and the very fair price our district pays for the program, they lost the battle. Mandarin is the best universal, unbiased, multi-functioning program and in my opinion, they cannot be best. You may have book companies offer you deals but those deals are usually based on you buying from them. Mandarin allows you the freedom to run your library stress free and unbiased. They’re not paying me either! Pros I like that once you get to know it, you can really maneuver around the program very easily. I’ve rarely ever experienced the website being down, never during school hours. It takes all the work out of circulation. All I have to do is scan and shelve. Cons In the catalogue feature, when you’re adding or editing a single book, the fields are all numbered and not easy to know what you are doing. I would love to see that small feature become as modernized and easy to use as the rest of the program. With that said, it is easy enough to figure out, it just takes some time and since we don’t use it often, I have to get help every time I do use it. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Librarian Research Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Mandarin is Convenient for Online users" April 16, 2021 5.0 Mandarin has helped patrons to access the contents of the library collection in the comfort of their homes. Information is simply a click away. Pros Mandarin is a server based software. This makes it cheap. With one license, numerous client computers access the application. Therefore, patrons access the library collection through the client computers. I have noticed that members of Technical Service Department of the library speed up work all thanks to client-server functionality on Mandarin. Patrons are able to access the library collection remotely online. In the wake of COVID-19, the library continued offering services despite the staff and patrons remaining in their homes. Cataloguing staff now have less work load as Mandarin allows them to perform copy cataloguing. Pre-recorded information of the resource is retrieved using record Fetch. Mandarin offers patrons with a good interface which helps them to search the contents of the library using topics, words or terms. More still, the advanced search features help patrons to filter searching into narrow specific terms. Mandarin provides patrons with links to e- books, audio books and other digital resources, making the library to become a digital one. Mandarin improves inventory control in the library system. Records pertaining to accessions list, books on order and other files are well managed. Cons Much as the software is efficient, less developed communities with poor internet infrastucture may find the software irritating due to internet connectivity issues. Beside, not all titles can be found on record Fetch. This compels catalogues to look for alternative sources of information. This process consumes time Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Lindsay limited company Market Research Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Good point " June 16, 2023 5.0 Best to use Pros Easy to use ,understandable,supportive ,Great Cons No difficulty ,functionality, easy, reliable Review Source Jorge C. Director Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "VERSATILE TOOL FOR LIBRARIES AND FILES" April 4, 2018 4.0 Your online technical support is fast and effective Pros This quick tool facilitates your work by its great search capacity, oriented to the format of those we know on the web Cons Taking into account that the software is quite complete, there are functions that could be changed and give more information to the material or document that is already expired or that is no longer being used Review Source Response from Mandarin Library Automation April 5, 2018 Thank you Jorge. We appreciate your feedback. AB Ann B. Librarian Libraries Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Robust and user friendly system" April 24, 2019 5.0 I inherited a very poorly cataloged collection: corrupt classification, lost records, level one (or less) catalog- ing, lack of subject headings... The MLA system empowers me to provide the best bibliographic database I can create for my students. Price point is exceptional, MLA system is user-friendly, robust and secure. I am one happy catalog librarian. Pros The learning curve made for a very easy transition to learn the system and get to work. I did reports, inventory, edits of existing records and learned to use "Fetch" for my MARC cataloging needs in a very short time. I am delighted that the system adheres to national standards in bibliographic MARC. I feel secure with the MLA system that my work will not be corrupted or lost at anytime. Cons As an experienced professional cataloger, I would like to see the policies that govern the system to better understand display functions. Review Source KG Karen G. Library Director Libraries Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Easy library software" November 23, 2020 5.0 From the first point of my inquiries the Mandarin employees have been extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The concept that the first contact should know the product well made Mandarin stand out above the other companies I investigated. The technical support during and beyond implementation has also been outstanding showing that they really care about our library and our users. Pros This library software is easy to use and easy to train students and staff to use. The ability to quickly download catalog records from Library of Congress or other libraries is extremely helpful. Whenever I need to create a record that can't be downloaded, an exceptional template is available. If I need to edit a record all of the MARC record fields and subfields show as options for insertion; and it is very easy to delete an unwanted field. Cons When there are multiple call numbers on one record the call number should be absent from the results page, instead a note to 'see holdings'. Review Source TM Tammy M. Librarian Libraries Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Mandarin 5 Review" April 24, 2019 5.0 Pros I like how easy it is to use Mandarin 5. I also like the customer support for when I have a problem or various questions. They are very quick to respond back to me and help solve the problem. Cons I like this software a lot but if I have to pick what I like the least it would be occasional quirks in the system that have to be fixed by Mandarin. Review Source MC Michal C. School Library Media Specialist Libraries Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Excellent customer service" November 3, 2021 5.0 The customer service is the best feature. Answers are almost immediate, and tech support is always helpful and reliable. Pros The software is versatile, and the features are endless. Cons Not intuitive- I find that certain features work very well, but you need to learn how to use them beforehand. Review Source LI Lynn I. CEO Libraries Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Mandarin M5" February 11, 2020 4.0 Pros We recently transitioned from Mandarin M3 to Mandarin M5. M5 is very easy to use by the staff and patrons. It offers different functionalities that we did not have access to with M3. Cons Nothing negative to say for the moment we just started using M5 and everything is going smoothly. Reason for choosing Mandarin Easy to use and less expensive Review Source NL Nina L. Library Media Specialist Used the software for: ### "Mandarin makes life simple!" April 16, 2015 5.0 As a Mandarin customer since 1996, I depend upon the Oasis system to deliver consistent and powerful service for patrons and library staff alike. The face that Oasis presents to patrons is user friendly and intuitive while the face that Oasis presents to the professional library staff is that of a robust and flexible toolkit. With technical support folks a mere phone call or email message away, knowing that they are always ready, willing and able to keep my system running optimally is reassuring. Along with all the custom reports I have requested over the years, I appreciate the seamlessness of our hosted version; updates appear magically in the background. Training through F2F, webinars, and tutorials have made it possible to increase my understanding and expertise in deploying Oasis successfully. Review Source PM Peggy M. consultant Used the software for: ### "A solid system" April 16, 2015 4.0 There are about 30 public libraries in Ontario using various versions of Mandarin M3/Mandarin Oasis. The system has been a solid performer over the years, at a price that is reasonable and manageable for smaller libraries. When we were looking for a system that would allow each library to use the system independently, and without an onsite IT person, Mandarin was the one that seemed to be the best fit. Check-in, check-out, holds, catalogue searches - all of those basic functions are easy to manage within this system, and easy to explain to new staff or volunteers coming into the library. A good choice. Review Source DS Darlene S. Library Automation System Technician Used the software for: ### "Oasis meets and exceeds our expectations" January 26, 2010 5.0 Implemenation was quick and easy. We have 42 schools and 50,000 students and staff using Oasis. In three years we have experienced one failure and it was caused by an internal network problem. Mandarin tech support is exceptional and always open to suggestions. Pros Web based. Great search capabilities. Cons The working side of Oasis needs improvement. Lacking in the number of prewritten reports. Review Source aC adriana C. teacher librarian Used the software for: ### "We have been using Mandarin for 14 years at the library." February 26, 2016 4.0 Pros excellent customer service, fast reply to our inquiries Cons Oasis has some difficulties with generating reports. There are few documents or guides in Spanish. Review Source Response from Mandarin Library Automation February 28, 2016 Thanks for the review. We are working on a new web-based report tool. VH Valerie H. Library Media Clerk Used the software for: ### "The Novato Unified School District " April 20, 2015 5.0 We have use the Mandarin & Oasis library automated programs since 1994. Over the years it's only gotten better and better. Their tech support is wonderful, helpful and knowledgeable. Review Source MR Monica R. Librarian Primary/Secondary Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Gimnasio Femenino" June 18, 2024 5.0 Pros Me gusta su estructura y servicio 24/7 y todas las posibilidades que ofrece como estadisticas, clasificación, agrupar colecciones.. Cons Que si no escribes exactamente bien la palabra no lo encuentra. Review Source MP Mary P. Librarian Primary/Secondary Education Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "School Library Complete Solutions - Amazing Ability to Meet Your Students/Staff Needs " January 30, 2019 5.0 Mandarin Library creates a public face for our school that expands the resources that we can house on campus. It is a great marketing tool of academic resources that we can easily put within student/parent reach. I love the customized look I can give to my home page. Mandarin Library is a fun and intuitive program that meet budgetary constaints while allowing me to expand in new ways. I was nervous about learning a new system and found the changes made everything easier in library management. Again, Technical Support is a phone call away and they are the most patient, kind staff of experts that speaks volumes about this company. Pros We are a Classical School Pre-K thru 12 - This software has made my job easier and saves me time. The transition from our old system to Mandarin was amazing. I was happy with the ease of implementing the new system and tech support patiently guided any questions. I can't say enough good things about tech support - I love the speed & ease of inputting new records and barcodes for classroom sets of books in minutes. Physical barcodes are easily printed - a budgetary savings. I love the visual search - parents and students can link to ebooks, public library resources, college prep, homework helps, audio books, whatever I want to create a link for assisting research and resources - the world is at our disposal. Parents can easily email and send book requests. An economical high quality services for private schools with small library budgets. Technical support is amazing 24/7 and they are great teachers. Training library help is very easy. There is no need to purchase MARC record as the record fetch has most titles and it is very easy to create your own record. I highly recommend this software for ease of use and ability to expand circulation options. We separate textbooks and general library but it is all in the same catalog. Teachers easily check out their classroom textbooks. I am re-cataloguing sets of elementary books and tech support makes global call number changes saving the time of bringing up each title to change the record. Cons What is there not to like? I love this software!!! Review Source LJ Laurie J. Librarian Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Mandarin Fan!" January 30, 2023 5.0 Learning a new system, as a new librarian, with hundreds of patrons, was a daunting position. However, I am consistently pleased with their support through the years. Pros Mandarin is so easy to learn and use. And on those ocassions when I don't find the answer, their customer service responds with efficiency. Cons Nothing to report. Apparently I need more characters in this reponse to make if valid. Still, nothing to report. Review Source CS Chad S. Librarian Libraries Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I Love Mandarin" March 8, 2022 5.0 The switch to Mandarin from RenWeb library was a breeze. They handled all of it on their end. After a small learning curve I was up and running, with SO many more tools at my disposal than I ever had before... things I didn't even know I needed but now couldn't imagine going without. We used RenWeb because it was built-in to the SIS we already paying for. It was EXTREMELY bare bones, but it was free. Mandarin was an enormous step up at a great price. I wish I had switched sooner. Pros Easy to use. Value for the money. Quick response to customer service inquiries. Records (new enrollments) automatically update from SIS (FACTS/RenWeb). Record Fetch is great! Cons OPAC not customizable enough. Financials do not integrate with SIS (FACTS/RenWeb). Alternatives considered [Follett Destiny Library Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/8972/Destiny-Library-Manager/)[Libib](https://www.capterra.com/p/207388/Libib/)[Koha](https://www.capterra.com/p/153941/Koha/) Reason for choosing Mandarin Full list of features at a great price. Review Source MK Michelle K. Librarian Libraries Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Mandarin Snapshot" September 24, 2019 4.0 Mandarin provides an affordable and easy-to-implement integrated library package (cataloging, circulation, public access interface). It continues to offer more features and the IT support department has been very helpful when a bit of tweaking is needed. Pros Versatile library automation with room to accommodate new features. Good software support - very available. Great price for small libraries. Cons This company's products are geared for elementary and high schools. The OPAC features reading-level categories which are not necessary for specialized libraries and those serving adults. However these features can be removed by Mandarin support. There are some problems in the cataloging software when adding subsequent subdivisions (involving punctuation). But these can be worked around. It would be great to have more options for the public visual search interface (like font style, colors, etc.) and general layout. Reason for choosing Mandarin Versatility, great price and easy to implement. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Library Automation](https://www.capterra.com/library-automation-software/)[Catalog Management](https://www.capterra.com/catalog-management-software/) ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.